Advice to All Fresh National Service Personnel...

Daniel Fenyi writes...

National Service is just the thin line between *school* and *unemployment,* perculiarly in Ghana. By the end of the service, you would have accumulated a total amount of *GH¢6,708* in your account given that each month brings *GH¢559.* Use this money wisely.

_These are a few of the many decisions to take in the service year._

*1. Don't rent a house or room.* Take advantage of free bangalows, hostel, etc where available. If you have to rent, form a partner group of two/three members and rent together. Spending just one year with a roomie won't kill you, Save Money!

*2. Cut down dressing cost.* Don't spend too much on dresses just to appear as "expensive" as the permanent staff. You'll waste money. Two black pencil-skirts/trousers, two sea-blue long sleeve shirts, one flying tie and one African-print shirt (for fridays) is enough for the service year. Be simple but presentable!

*3. Be the first to always report to work and the last to leave.* If the official time of reporting is 8.00am, try to be there always within 7.30am-7.45am each day. Report and leave 20-30mins earlier or later (for closing) than usual time.

*4. Create more links and contacts for yourself.* The value of your certificate "ends" after service, it's your "connections" that will take you places. Smile more, attend programmes, regularly send goodmorning, birthday, etc messages to all. In fact, don't be "anti-so".

*5. If your qualification is a Diploma or HND, focus on pursuing a degree programme immediately after the service.* Ask around for a "good" degree course and pursue it. The value of Diploma and HND is fading, look sharp and upgrade quickly.

*6. The ladies, be more open.* You can get your life partner in this service year. Learn to carefully accept love proposals, if you are not seriously attached already.

*7. If your qualification is a degree, you can pursue a masters degree, a professional programme, a top-up course, look for job, start a business, etc.* Think critically about what you wish to do after service. That will greatly inform your spending culture.

*8. Not everybody at your place of posting will like you.* Accept that. Some will hate you with as weak reasons as your style of talking, dressing, walking, etc. Don't mind them, just do your job. You are just there for one year, leave a mark in any positive way you can.

*9. Learn to take God more seriously.* "... Time and chance happen to them all" (Eccl 9:11). You can make excellent use of your "time", but for "chance/luck" to come your way, it takes a Divine Hand. Pray more and attend church programmes, prayer meetings and youth fellowships regularly.

*10. Attend Empowerment Summits.* It brings you close to industry experts who can tell you realities on the ground. Book knowledge is not enough. I recommend *"National Service Empowerment Mandate (NSEM)"* to you. It's a life-changing and mind-strengthening seminar. It is organised across all Regions and Districts in Ghana. To book your Region or District, whatsapp/call *Mr. Daniel Fenyi* on *+233242937017* and Facebook page *www.facebook.com/counselor.fenyi.7*

*© Daniel Fenyi*
(Counselor, Educationist, Thinker and Life Strategist)

A Must Read For All Service Persons!